New drink driving campaign targets those who have ‘a couple’ of drinks

Dec 3, 2015

A second drink can double your chance of being in a fatal collision

1 in 10 people would have 2 or more drinks before driving

1 in 5 (19%) men aged 18 to 34 would have 2 or more drinks

The UK government has launched a new campaign to tackle drink driving, targeting those who do not recognise that even a small number of drinks before driving can be deadly.

The THINK! campaign shows scenarios where someone might consider having two drinks before driving and the deadly consequences that can occur.

New research from THINK! shows that while half the population (51%) would not consider consuming any alcoholic drinks before driving, a shocking 1 in 10 people would consider having 2 or more drinks before they get behind the wheel. This increases to 1 in 5 among men aged 18 to 34 (19%).

Road Safety Minister Andrew Jones said: “Drivers know that drink driving is wrong. It can destroy families and ruin lives. Yet some irresponsible drivers still take the risk and get behind the wheel when they shouldn’t.

“Over the past 30 years drink drive deaths have fallen significantly but every death or serious injury is one too many. The best way for drivers to keep themselves and other road users safe is simple: don’t drink and drive.”

Sarah Sillars, Institute of Advanced Motorists chief operating officer, said: “Many of the people we work with on our drink-drive rehabilitation courses aren’t repeat offenders, many are drivers who thought that a second one couldn’t hurt.

“We support THINK!’s campaign which highlights the importance of avoiding the temptation of ‘just one more’.”